House committee advances 'Be the One' suicide-prevention resolution to health committee

The House Naming and Designating Committee on March 9 advanced Senate Joint Resolution 592, designating March 12, 2026, as “Be the One to End Suicide Day” and urging statewide awareness and training to prevent suicide. Representative Hicks, the bill sponsor, asked the committee for a favorable recommendation and the measure moved to the Health Committee with a 7-0 voice vote.

The resolution recognizes an American Legion initiative aimed at ending veteran suicide and encourages public and private organizations across Tennessee’s 95 counties to promote suicide-prevention training and the 988 suicide and crisis hotline. Representative Hicks cited national and state figures during his summary, noting that “approximately 22 veterans die by suicide every single day” and that, “according to the Tennessee Department of Health,” the state’s suicide rate is 14.7% higher than the national average.

“Be the one who reaches out. Be the one who listens. Be the one who helps save a life,” Hicks said in the committee hearing, framing the resolution as a public-awareness effort rather than a funding bill.

Representative Fritz, who said he is with Post 50 American Legion of Rockwood, thanked the sponsor and urged colleagues to act as “encouragers.” Representative Warner pressed for explanation of the drivers behind Tennessee’s higher youth suicide rate; Hicks said committee members did not present a single cause but pointed to mental-health needs in schools, COVID-era effects and limited access in rural areas. Hicks recounted a personal experience, saying he had spoken with a friend roughly 15 minutes before that friend took his life, to underline the urgency of outreach.

Representative Breen asked whether the designation could be made an annual recognition rather than limited to 2026; Hicks said lawmakers could work on language to make it recur in a future measure.

Committee clerk records show a voice vote of seven yes and zero no. The committee’s positive recommendation sends SJR0592 to the Health Committee for further consideration. The committee also, without objection, rolled House Bill 1764 to the calendar for Monday, March 16. The Naming and Designating Committee adjourned after completing its calendar.